Interview with Asian students of the Tokyo Metropolitan University (1/2)
All about the students' life in Tokyo
We interviewed two students, who have enrolled to perform research at the Tokyo Metropolitan University since October, 2011.
We interviewed Ms. Wong Yat Yu, majoring in anthropology, and Mr. Douangphachanh Viengnam, majoring in civil & environmental engineering.
Interview with
Ms.Wong Yat Yu, Mena
Birthplace: Hong Kong (China)
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China. It had been a British colony, and its sovereignty transferred from Britain to China in 1997. Because of its special historical background, Hong Kong is a city where both eastern and western heritage and culture exist, such as grand colonial architecture, Chinese temples. The wonderful night view from the Peak is a famous spot of Hong Kong
Research theme:
While performing on-site research, I examine Chinese immigrant communities in Japan with regard to their form, strategies for life in Japan, and identities. Using prior examples, I analyze how foreign immigrants, increasing with the rise of Japanese globalism, are living alongside Japanese citizens, with the intent of contributing to further research on Japan's diversity and Chinese immigrant societies.
Mr. Douangphachanh Viengnam
Birthplace: Laos
Laos is a small land-locked country, located in Southeast Asia. Lao consists of 49 ethnic groups with a total population of approximately 6.5 million. It has a total land surface area of about 236,800 km2. The country is well known among tourists for its exotic nature, traditions and culture. Laos has its own language called "Lao" language; "Sabaidee" (Hello in English) is the word Lao people use to greet each other when they meet.
Research theme:
My research at TMU is largely focusing on the use of mobile phones, particularly smart phones, to estimate road traffic and road surface condition. The main aim of the research is to find out low cost or cost effective approaches for the management of road traffic and infrastructure asset, particularly roads, in a developing country like Laos.
-You've now spent 6 months studying at the Tokyo Metropolitan University. How has it been for you?
Ms. Wong: It's been a great experience. My research period is three years. But I feel like I have ONLY two and a half years left.
Mr. Viengnam: The same goes for me.
In front of the main gate to Tokyo Metropolitan University.
-This was your first spring in Tokyo. Did you see cherry blossoms?
Ms. Wong: Of course. I went to see them at the Ueno Park. It was very crowded with so many people (laughter).
Mr. Viengnam: I went to see them there also. It was packed!
-Both of you sound like you're getting the most out of your time in Tokyo.
The appeal of Tokyo, a capital of many faces.
-I'd like to ask both of you. What in Tokyo has impressed you the most?
Many students enjoy the student cafeteria. Ms. Wong and Mr. Viengnam enjoy the cooked fish here.
Ms. Wong: The life in Tokyo is colorful. At the university campus of Minami-osawa, I feel that life is quiet and peaceful. Unlike the crowded environment in Hong Kong, Minami-Osawa is surrounded with many trees, with beautiful scenery under the sky.
When I go to the city center, I find whatever I need. I am fascinated by numerous shops and museums.
Mr. Viengnam: To be frank, there are many things that have impressed me about Tokyo and Japan in general. For me, the convenience of public transport, especially train networks, is the most amazing part of Tokyo.
Furthermore, I love Japanese foods, so being able to live in Japan is a great opportunity for me to explore variety of Japanese foods.
-What kind of Japanese food do you like?
Mr. Viengnam: Basically, any kind of Japanese food. For example, Natto* !
-Natto, Really!
Mr. Viengnam: Uh-huh. I have some Japanese friends who don't like Natto. Basically, there is no specific food I cannot eat.
Ms. Wong: I don't like Natto! But I like Japanese food, especially Sushi and Sashimi.
- When you miss your country's food, what do you usually do?
Mr. Viengnam: Sometimes we can find some ingredients from my country at stores. But it is a little bit expensive…
Ms. Wong: I cook by myself. My family sends me the chomiryo (seasoning). So I can cook Hong Kong foods.
-Does your family worry about you?
Ms. Wong: They came to Japan last Christmas, and they may come again! We can talk on the internet, so they don't really worry about me.
*Ueno Park: A park in Tokyo's Taito ward. In addition to its museums and zoo, many visit in the spring to see the cherry blossoms. The pandas in the Ueno Zoo, Li Li and Shin Shin, are also popular attractions.
*Natto: A food product made from fermented soybeans. Despite its unique smell, it is a familiar Japanese food.
Hints to enjoy life in Tokyo
-Having lived 6 months in Japan, what do you think is necessary to enjoy life in Tokyo?
My Japanese improves by talking with my friends! (Ms. Wong, below, far right)
Visiting Yamanashi during the research laboratory's extracurricular seminar (Mr. Viengnam)
Mr. Viengnam: To make my life in Japan easier, I am trying to learn Japanese culture, people and language. The language is the most important aspect for foreigners especially students studying in Japan, I believe.
Ms. Wong: Maybe the most important thing to live an easy life in Tokyo is to study Japanese language, at least some simple sentences. As the pronunciations of Japanese language are not difficult, I think it is not too hard for foreigners to memorize some wordings and sentences. If you are able to speak some Japanese, you may find communication with local people being much easier, and it will make your life in Tokyo much more interesting.
-You both speak Japanese very well. How did you learn Japanese? Are there any tricks or secrets to learn Japanese efficiently?
Ms. Wong: I like to talk with Japanese friends. Because I want to talk Japanese!
-But when you don't know how to describe your feeling, how do you manage to find the words?
Ms. Wong: I use simple words to describe my own feeling or simple example what I want to say. Also I use some Chinese characters.
-You have an advantage because you write Chinese characters.
Mr. Viengnam: Chinese characters are difficult for me! My trick I always recommend to my friends is watching Japanese TV! I feel I understand real Japanese conversation because of TV. Now it is easier for me to understand Japanese. But it is still very difficult to talk.
-What kind of TV programs do you recommend?
Mr. Viengnam: Comedy! Ordinary Japanese comedy!
-I think comedy is very difficult to understand for foreigners. I mean sense of humor is generally quite difficult for foreigners.
Mr. Viengnam: That's right. But I can read subtitles which are often put in comedy programs. And also I can use dictionary. If it is still difficult, I can ask my friends next morning.
Ms. Wong: In my major, I use so many gairaigo(*foreign words). Anthropology began as a western field, so there are many foreign words involved. It can be difficult to use them as my own vocabulary.
Ms. Wong and Mr. Viengnam smiled as we conducted the interview. They were full of enthusiasm towards enjoying their lives in Tokyo while carrying out their work. The second half of the interview will focus on the aspects of Japanese culture that have surprised them, and their wishes for the future. Look forward to it in the next Interaction Asia!
*3 "Gairaigo" refers to words of a foreign origin that are used in Japanese with their original pronunciation. For example, "identity." Ms. Wong remarked that it's difficult to use these words while speaking Japanese.
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